CMS Price Transparency Data

Culture, blood

Facility: Christus St Frances Cabrini Hospital

Billing Code: 87040 (CPT)

Factual Cost Summary (Answer Capsule)

CPT Billing Code: 87040
Insurance Median: $14
Cash Discount Price: $120
vs. Medicare Baseline: 1.36x Medicare

The contracted insurance negotiated median rate for a Culture, blood at Christus St Frances Cabrini Hospital is $14. If you are paying out-of-pocket or uninsured, the self-pay cash discount rate is $120. Compared to the federal Medicare reimbursement reference rate of $10.32, this hospital’s rate is 1.36x the Medicare baseline. Located in 3330 Masonic Drive, Alexandria, LA.

Cash / Self-Pay

$120

Average discount available for prompt cash payment at this facility.

Insurance Median

$14

Median negotiated contract rate across all mapped commercial carriers.

Medicare Reference Rate

$10.32

Standard federal government reimbursement rate for this code.

Visual Cost Comparison vs. Medicare

Medicare Reference Baseline: $10.32 (100%)

Cash / Self-Pay: $120 (1163%)

Insurance Median: $14 (136%)

Cash: $120 (1163% of Medicare)

Ins. Median: $14 (136% of Medicare)

Understanding this gauge: We use the federal Medicare rate of $10.32 as the cost baseline. Rates below the baseline represent excellent value. In-network commercial rates commonly hover around 150% - 250% of Medicare, while rates exceeding 300% are elevated. Hover over the green and blue markers to view detailed calculations.

Out-of-Pocket Cost Estimator

Estimate whether it is more economical to use your insurance or pay the upfront self-pay cash rate.

Billing Status

Remaining Deductible ($)

Your Coinsurance Rate (%)

Input your details and click calculate to compare out-of-pocket costs.

Commercial Insurance Negotiated Rates

Negotiated contract ranges established by major commercial carriers at this facility.

Carrier / Plan Group	Contract Rate Range	vs. Medicare Reference
Aetna	$10 - $64	97%
Amerihealth Caritas Louisiana	$10	97%
Arcadian Health Plan	$10	97%
Blue Cross Blue Shield	$10 - $37	97%
Christus Health	$10 - $14	97%
Coventry	$10	97%
Healthy Blue Louisiana	$10	97%
Humana	$10 - $35	97%
Louisiana Healthcare Connections	$10	97%
Triwest	$10	97%
UnitedHealthcare	$10 - $11	97%
Vantage Health Plan Inc.	$10 - $231	97%
Allyalign Health	$11	107%
Dignity Health	$11	107%
Medicare (plans)	$11	107%
Peoples Health	$11	107%
Wellcare	$11	107%
Active Med	$18	174%
Cigna	$62	601%
Lsu First Choice Verity	$231	2238%
Gilsbar, Inc.	$277	2684%
Healthcare Highways	$277	2684%
Verity Healthnet	$277	2684%
Healthsmart	$300 - $370	2907%
Ppoplus Llc	$300	2907%
Five Point Credit Union	$323	3130%
Multiplan	$323	3130%
Phcs	$323	3130%
Health Management Network	$370	3585%
Provider Select	$370	3585%
First Health	$393	3808%
Verity Healthnet National	$393	3808%

Self-Pay Upfront Cash Action Plan

Request a "Self-Pay classification" with the billing desk before receiving care.
Ask for a written "Prompt-Pay Discount" agreement quoting the price of $120.
Request and sign a "Waiver of Insurance Submission" to prevent automatic billing.
Verify CPT Code matches exactly: 87040.

Insurance In-Network Protection Plan

Contact your insurance company to confirm Christus St Frances Cabrini Hospital is fully in-network.
Ask your insurer if "Prior Authorization" is required for CPT code 87040.
Confirm the specific physician or imaging center is also in-network (not just the hospital building).
Audit your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) against the final itemized hospital invoice.